Obituaries

Upcoming Issue

Peter G. Alfond

July 10, 2017, in West Palm Beach, Fla., at 65. A philanthropist and Colby friend, he was a senior executive of Dexter Shoe Company and president of PanAm Shoe. He founded Kippur Corporation in 2007 and created the Peter Alfond Foundation in 1994, both of which supported education and health care initiatives. He served on numerous boards and advisory committees for educational and community organizations, and at Colby he supported the Colby Museum of Art and the Center for Small Town Jewish Life. He loved to travel and was in Africa when he contracted malaria, which caused his death. Predeceased by his parents, Harold P’72, GP’92 and Dorothy “Bibby” Alfond ’38, P’72, GP’92, he is survived by four children, three siblings—Trustee Bill Alfond ’72, Colby Museum Board of Governor Ted Alfond P’92, GP’21, and Susan Alfond—and extended family, including cousins Museum Board of Governor Peter Lunder ’56, D.F.A ’98 and Trustee Paula Lunder, D.F.A. ’98.

Corinne Jones Zimmerman '44

April 19, 2017, in Burlington, Vt., at 95. A homemaker, she raised five children before working at the University of Vermont at the medical library, where she played a key role establishing the medical school audio-visual library. She belonged to the Green Mountain Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and also to Eastern Star. Those five children survive her, as do 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Floyd L. Harding '45

April 23, 2017, in Ocala, Fla., at 93. He left Colby in 1943 to serve with the U.S. Army in World War II and was taken as a prisoner of war. He graduated from Boston University Law School in 1949 and began a private law practice in Presque Isle, Maine, in 1952. He was a three-term Maine state senator and served as majority leader 1965-67, championing causes of Aroostook County. He belonged to civic organizations, was active with his church, and helped revitalize vocational education in Presque Isle. Survivors include eight children, including Alan Harding ’75, 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, including Lawrence Adams ’69, Nancy Adams ’75, and Scott Adams ’76.

George E. Heppner '45

Feb. 10, 2017, in Hartford, Conn., at 93. He left Colby his sophomore year to enlist with the U.S. Army then graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1951. A civil engineer, he worked for the City of Hartford for more than 35 years, including time as city engineer. He belonged to professional organizations and his church and he volunteered for Meals on Wheels. A photographer and traveler, he presented slide shows at local organizations. Predeceased by his brother, Francis J. Heppner ’46, he is survived by four children and eight grandchildren.

Norma Frost Sawyer '45

March 13, 2017, in West Chester, Ohio, at 95. She was a homemaker and mother all her life, living in Waterville with her husband until they moved to Florida in 1960. She found pleasure in reading, playing bridge, and traveling. Two children, five granddaughters, 10 great-grandchildren, and a brother survive her.

Dorothy Allen Goettman '46

March 5, 2017, in Winter Park, Fla., at 92. Home and family were her focus while she moved to 13 states from New England to the South for her husbandís engineering career. Later in life, she played duplicate bridge and attended church in Clearwater, Fla. Four children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren survive her.

Ruth Jaffe Gordon '47

July 7, 2017, at 92. She was a homemaker who was involved with the local P.T.A. and other civic organizations. Her two children and five grandchildren survive her.

Flora Pearse Smith '48

July 21, 2015, in Belfast, Maine, at 88. She taught high school social studies in Ellsworth, Maine, until 1952, when she turned her attention full time to her home and family. She and her husband, Dana Smith, raised four children, including Bette Smith Sturtevant ’81.

Fred H. Hammond Jr. '49

Feb. 1, 2017, in Maryland at 91. He served in the U.S. Army before attending Colby and spent two years studying at Harvard after Colby. He was a research scientist doing chemical research for Kendall Company in Cambridge, Mass. He established the Fred and Grace Rutherford Hammond Fund at Colby with his wife, Grace Rutherford Hammond ’50, who predeceased him. They raised two children.

Shirley Bond McGill '49

March 14, 2017, in Dover, Mass., at 89. She taught at Tenacre Country Day School for 35 years, was a part-time librarian, and was active in her community’s school committee and historical society. She drew pleasure from reading, gardening, and knitting. Five children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren survive her.

Nancy Semonian Newlove '49

March 13, 2017, in Glen Burnie, Md., at 89.

Carolyn McLean Coburn '50

April 28, 2017, in Portland, Maine, at 88. Carolyn established a career in insurance, beginning with Maine Bonding and Casualty Company and retiring 42 years later as assistant regional manager with Maryland Casualty Company. She loved the Red Sox and Celtics, rarely missing a game. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Albert Coburn, three sons, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Jean Cowie Floyd '51

June 3, 2017, in Saratoga, Calif., at 87. A mother and housewife for the first part of her life, she later worked for 18 years for Westfall Engineers in Saratoga. She was active with her church and remained active with Tri Deltas sorority, which she joined at Colby and continued through a chapter in California. She enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and sewing and had a deep love for animals. Her son and three grandchildren survive her.

Ernest V. Fortin '51

March 8, 2017, in Sarasota, Fla., at 88. He spent his career at New England Telephone / NYNEX / Bell Atlantic, working for 41 years mostly as division manager of operator services. He was regional vice president of the charitable organization Telephone Pioneers of America, was a dedicated member of golf clubs in Massachusetts and Florida, and, in retirement, was president of the Meadows Community Association where he lived. A dedicated Colby volunteer, he served nine years as a class agent, sat on the Alumni Council for 10 years, established a scholarship fund for students from his hometown of Madison, Maine, and helped his class set a participation record of 94 percent in 2001. For his dedication to the College, he was awarded a Colby Brick in 1997. Survivors include his wife, Patti, three children, two grandsons, and a brother.

Arthur F. McMahon '51

June 7, 2017, in Warwick, R.I., at 90. A World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy, he lived his life in Rhode Island and was the owner of the former City Plating Company in Providence. Survivors include two children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Anthony F. Hall '52

Feb. 11, 2017, in Pacific Grove, Calif., at 88. After playing piano with groups in Waterville and New York City following graduation from Colby, he earned an M.L.S. from Columbia University and worked for more than 25 years at the UCLA University Research Library and eventually became head of library systems development.

Thornton “Ted” E. Lallier '53

April 20, 2016, at 84. He practiced law in Amesbury, Mass., after earning his J.D. from New England College. He served Colby as his class president and on reunion planning committees, and he sat on the Alumni Council. He and his wife, Erna, raised two sons.

Phebe Dow Runyon '53

June 18, 2017, in Brandon, Vt., at 85. Committed to family and community, she was active with her church and the Ladies Aid Society, taught English to Cambodian refugees, and tended her home and children. She also worked as a rural route carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. Reading, canning vegetables, and doing the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle brought her joy. Predeceased by her sister, Frances Dow Wells ’45, survivors include four children, 10 grandchildren, a great-grandson, and two brothers.

Priscilla Crossfield Close '54

May 27, 2017, in Fairfield, Conn., at 86. A housewife and a mother, she made time for her interests in musical theater, choir, and cooking. She also enjoyed traveling, especially the world tour she took with members of the National Geographic Society. Her husband of 61 years, Lawrence, three children, five grandchildren, and a great-grandson survive her.

Nicholas M. Sarris '54

May 30, 2017, in Boston, Mass., at 85. He earned a law degree from Boston University in 1957 and opened a law firm in Boston and a second one in Dover, Mass. He was engaged with state and city politics, serving, for example, as deputy secretary of state, assistant attorney general, town selectman, and trustee of Tabor Academy, his alma mater. He also volunteered for Colby, serving as class agent for his 50th reunion and as president of the Colby Club of Boston, for which he received a Colby Brick Award in 1968. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Shirley, four children, including Andrea V. Sarris ’86, and five grandchildren.

Nancy Fortuine Westervelt '54

March 1, 2017, in Winslow, Maine, at 84. After moving around with her husband, they settled in Waterville in 1961, where she raised her seven children, worked part time as a writer and editor at Colby, and sang at the Opera House, in her church choir, and with the Colby community choir. She was a Eucharistic minister for two decades, served on the board of the condo association where she lived the last 10 years of her life, and loved cooking, gardening, and taking care of her cats. Predeceased by her husband, Peter Westervelt, a Colby classics professor for 25 years, she is survived by her six children, including Peter Westervelt ’85 and Hilda Westervelt ’92, five grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.

Ann Dillingham Ingraham '55

April 6, 2017, in Hallowell, Maine, at 83. A homemaker and a mother, she had a love of literature that she employed working at a library in Augusta, Maine, and as an editor at the Piscataquis Observer. She was a steady volunteer at Colby for the annual fund and on reunion planning committees. Three children, including Peter Ingraham ’84, four grandchildren, two siblings, and sister-in-law Pat Ingraham Murray ’54 survive her.

Russell M. Squire Jr. '55

July 1, 2017, in Exeter, N.H., at 83. He was a salesman in the corrugated packaging industry for a period and then was self-employed. He loved cats and was involved with feral cat rescue. Predeceased by his parents, Russell ’25 and Muriel Thomas Squire ’25, he is survived by his wife, Catherine, two children and a stepson, two granddaughters, and a sister, Barbara Squire Coleman ’53.

John W. Shute '57

Feb. 23, 2012, in St. Augustine, Fla., at 76. He served with the Army Reserves then worked for General Electric. He and his wife, Diane, raised two children.

Edward F. O’Brien Jr. '58

March 11, 2017, in Agawam, Mass., at 81. He served in the Air Force in the 1950s and then with the Air National Guard for 18 years. He worked as a probation officer in Springfield, Mass., enjoyed reading, and loved to play cards. Survivors include his wife, Luvia, two children, and six grandchildren.

Jane Spokesfield Hamilton '59

March 18, 2017, in Alton Bay, N.H., at 79. She worked as an administrative assistant in medical offices and volunteered in her community with the American Legion and as a driver for Care Givers. Her three daughters, five grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter survive her.

Linda Mackey Foehl '60

July 9, 2017, in Dover, Mass., at 78. She was a nursery school director and a kindergarten teacher, earning a master’s in early childhood education from Wheelock University in 1990. A talented actor and singer, she appeared in local productions and was recently honored for her service to the community. She played bass guitar in the bluegrass/folk band she cofounded 40 years ago, The Centre Streeters, and gathered her family around the piano for sing-alongs. Predeceased by her husband, William C. Foehl ’59, she is survived by four children, six grandchildren, and three sisters.

Patience Oliver Fisher '61

Jan. 5, 2017, in Lincoln, Neb., at 78. A trailblazing mathematics educator, she earned an M.A. in mathematics teaching in 1971 and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction in 1992, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). She was the first computer teacher at Lincoln High School and later taught at UNL. Her work helping students overcome a fear of math won her many awards, including a 1985 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching and a Lifetime Achievement Award from UNLís Curriculum and Instruction Department. In 1989 she was commissioned an admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska. She was Maine’s first open-heart surgery patient in 1949 but canoed and hiked with vigor. Survivors include her husband, James, three sons, 10 grandchildren, and a sister.

Anne “Sandy” Lovell Swenson '61

March 23, 2017, in Melrose, Mass., at 77. She worked at NYNEX / New England Telephone for 27 years, retiring as a manager. Her retirement years were spent playing golf in Florida and in Melrose. Survivors include two stepchildren, several step-grandchildren, and extended family, including cousins Patricia Blake Thomas ’51 and Mary Thomas Vassar ’51.

Thomas J. Evans Jr. '61

July 9, 2017, in California at 78. He served in the Marine Corps immediately after Colby, reaching the rank of captain. He went on to build a 40-year career in sales and founded his own company, Omni Packaging, which he ran with his wife. He loved nature and exploring California, playing and teaching cribbage, cooking, and jazz. His wife of 54 years, Marilyn Blom Evans ’61, three children, three grandchildren, and three siblings survive him.

Richard A. Lessard Sr. '62

May 8, 2017, in Sarasota, Fla., at 76. He worked as an electrical engineer before switching careers—earning an M.B.A. and becoming a certified public accountant with a private practice. He volunteered extensively in his community, including with the United Way, which named him their May 1992 Volunteer of the Month. Survivors include his wife, Maggie, three children, three stepchildren, 14 grandchildren, and two brothers.

Allen A. Donaghy '63

May 1, 2016, in St. Johnsbury, Vt., at 75. He earned a master’s from the University of Illinois, served in the U.S. Air Force, then entered his familyís real estate business in St. Johnsbury, where he was twice named Vermont Realtor of the Year. He was a former president of the Vermont Realtor Association and belonged to other civic organizations. He enjoyed world travel, hunting, and skiing. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Lucia, two children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Robert W. Woodward Jr. '64

July 14, 2017, in Plymouth, Mass., at 76. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and received a Bronze Star Medal for his service. He became a professional tour guide specializing in historical Boston and New England. International travel and jazz were also interests. Two brothers survive him.

Kenneth J. Murray '65

June 14, 2017, in Las Cruces, N.M., at 73. He earned a J.D. from Boston University Law School in 1968, passed the Massachusetts bar exam, and joined the U.S. Air Force and JAG Corps. He served as a judge advocate and a military judge, receiving the Joint Service Commendation Medal in 1973. He was a civil service judge advocate for the remainder of his career.In retirement, he traveled the western U.S. in his fifth wheel, played water volleyball, and gardened. His wife, Hazel Murray, two children, and two siblings survive him.

Thomas “Tim” A. Hill '65

July 20, 2017, in Freeport, Maine, at 74. He served four years with the U.S. Navy after earning a master’s in teaching at the University of Pittsburgh in 1968. He taught history and social studies in Maine and was named Yarmouth Teacher of the Year in 1987. After teaching he worked for L.L.Bean as a sales rep and trainer, putting to use his skills as a fisherman and outdoor enthusiast. He taught Sunday school, acted in local productions, and possessed a fine sense of humor. His wife of 52 years, Adora Clark Hill ’65, two sons, four grandchildren, and two siblings survive him.

Merrilyn Aldrich Egbert '66

July 2, 2017, in Richmond, Va., at 72. A devoted mother, she also taught nursery school. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Robert Egbert ’66, two children, a grandson, and a brother.

Robert O. Nelson '67

May 14, 2017, in Spokane, Wash., at 72. He joined the Air Force in 1967, completed Officers Training School in June 1968, and earned his wings in August 1969. After two tours in Vietnam, he stayed in the Air Force for a total of 11 years then was a commercial pilot for United Airlines. He started an investment firm, Nelson Securities, in 1983, eventually opening offices in Spokane, San Diego, and Florida. Along the way, he earned an M.B.A. from Gonzaga University. His wife, Megan, two children, four grandchildren, his first wife, his mother, and a brother survive him.

Robert W. Koons '68

Jan. 4, 2015, in Maryland at 68. A dedicated conservationist and lover of the outdoors, he spent 25 years in the Southwest, serving as director of the Robert T. Wilson Foundation and later as executive director of the Grand Canyon Association. He helped establish the Flagstaff (Ariz.) Community Foundation and the Second Chance Center for Animals and, during the last 10 years, was executive director of the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust. Predeceased by his father, E. Donaldson Koons, chair of Colby’s Geology Department for 41 years, he is survived by his wife, Jan Koons, two sons, a grandson, and three siblings, including John D. Koons ’72 and Linnea Koons Mathews ’79.

James A. Steen '68

Oct. 7, 2015, in Missouri at 69. He earned his dentistry degree in 1972 from the University of Washington, followed by a career in private practice. Two children, a sister, and his former wife survive him.

Michael C. Stankus '69

April 12, 2017, Vero Beach, Fla., at 70. He served in the Merchant Marines 1968-72 then worked at Sikorski Aircraft as a safety engineer and later at URS as a munitions specialist and safety engineer. He volunteered for more than 20 years with Special Olympics, taught fly tying for the Wounded Warriors of Virginia program, and was active with his church choir. His wife, Wendy, two children, two stepchildren, 15 grandchildren, and a brother survive him.

Robert A. Colby '70

May 23, 2017, in Boston, Mass., at 68. He established a career in mortgage insurance and banking, and in his personal life enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and skiing. His two children and four grandchildren survive him.

Louis D. Gordon '71

April 19, 2017, in Yonkers, N.Y., at 67. A former TV, sports, and video producer, he also worked as a congressional press secretary and public relations consultant. He was most recently executive director of BALCONY, Business and Labor Coalition of New York, which he founded in 2006 from a start-up coalition. He was also president of the board of Dance Spotlight, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Martha Graham dance technique.

William Michael Meserve '72

Feb. 23, 2017, in Arlington, Va., at 67. His graduate studies in Asian history, political science, and law were interrupted by a job offer with the State Departmentís Foreign Service, beginning a 30-year career focused on Japan and China. His positions included political advisor, U.S. Army Pacific, minister-counselor for political affairs, consul general in Japan, and deputy chief of the economic political section in Hong Kong. He was a gifted linguist who won many Department of State awards. He traveled extensively in retirement, including to his home state of Maine, loved to cook, and shared stories and advice readily. Survivors include his wife, M. Carol Moland ’72, two daughters, and a brother.

Edward Tom Dore III '73

April 7, 2017, in Connecticut. A philosopher, interpreter, and skydiver, he served two tours in Vietnam before graduating from Colby. He went on to earn a masterís and to work for the state of Connecticut, developing the sign language interpreting program at Northwestern Connecticut Community College. He’d took thousands of jumps as a skydiver and inspired others at the Ellington Drop Zone outside of Hartford. Three children and a granddaughter survive him.

Leon A. Bradbury Jr. '76

March 8, 2017, in Avon, Conn., at 63. After Colby, he did doctoral studies in philosophy at Brown University and further graduate work in computer science. He worked in television production in Los Angeles, traveled widely, and toured extensively by bicycle, including a U.S. coast-to-coast crossing and a 5,000-mile tour of Europe. Predeceased by his father, Leon Bradbury ’33, he is survived by his sister, Lynn A. Bradbury ’72, and two nieces, including Jennifer Bradbury Isaacson ’18.

Charles J. Bennett III '77

April 23, 2017, in Kennebunkport, Maine, at 63. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Maine at Machias, worked at The Jackson Laboratory, then moved to Bangor and was a custom picture framer. He enjoyed writing, singing, and dancing, loved to travel, and had a passion for sports. His two children, eight siblings, and companion, Cindy Hammond, survive him.

James I. Tribble '78

March 15, 2017, in Scituate, Mass., at 60. He earned an M.S. in geology/geophysics from Boston University then worked four years as a geophysicist for Chevron in the West. For the following 32 years, he worked in finance in New England, most recently as senior vice president for wealth management at Morgan Stanley. He had a passion for the outdoors—hunting and fishing—and for athletics, running the Boston Marathon and playing in an ice hockey league. Survivors include his mother, three siblings, three children and their mother, Linda Stahl Tribble ’78, one grandchild, and his fiancé.

Susan J. Wilson '79

March 31, 2017, in Waterville, Maine, at 60. She earned an associate’s degree from the University of Maine at Augusta and completed coursework in medical technology at Kennebec College. She sang in church and community choirs and enjoyed sailing and kayaking. Predeceased by her father, W. Malcolm Wilson ’33, she is survived by her mother, Barbara Wilson, a brother, and extended family.

W. Davis Taylor '82

April 27, 2017, in Wellesley, Mass., at 56. He followed his father’s footsteps to the Boston Globe then left to pursue his passion for the outdoors. He learned arborist skills and established Hound Dog Tree in 1989, where he worked until his death. He loved the seashore, skiing, and playing blues harmonica, which he did for open-mic nights and with area bands. Survivors include his wife, Dawn, their daughter, his mother, and two brothers.

Stephen P. D’Andrea '84

April 25, 2017, in Richmond, Va., at 55. He earned an M.B.A. from Columbia University and worked as a marketing executive at Reynolds Metals. He was a talented songwriter, guitar player, and self-taught pianist. He also loved magic, skiing, and dogs. His wife, Gayle, his father, and four siblings survive him

Kelly Malloy Farrell '87

March 6, 2017, at 52. She was a veterinarian, earning her D.V.M. degree in 1992 from Cornell and practicing in Maine, Virginia, and Florida. She married Matt Farrell in 1997.